THRICE, Nov. 25, House of Blues, AnaheimThrice came out of the gate blazing with a firestorm of searing guitar chords on “Silhouette.” “All the World Is Mad” is a textbook example of the Orange County band’s fierce fusion of metal, hardcore and smart sense of melody. The apocalyptic hymn “Come All You Weary” and sweltering “The Earth Will Shake” were fitting encores that still left the sold-out crowd craving more. (AY)

METALLICA, Dec. 10, Honda CenterWhatever demons plagued Metallica in the past were nowhere to be found when the band performed in front of a capacity crowd at the Honda Center. The iconic metal act fired off lean, riveting, meticulously shifting assaults that swept the awestruck audience into an alternative reality where fast, heavy drum-’n’-guitar forays conquer all. The four musicians—all in their mid 40s—stalked the stage with a youthful sense of determination and glee. (Wade Tatangelo)